Timing is Everything

I'm a DIY sort of guy. If I think I can build something, I'll probably try. The DIY route often works out just fine. But, sometimes a project will take a longer than anticipated. For example, I just finished building a cold frame. A cold frame is an unheated mini-greenhouse used for gardening through the cold winter months. Of course, I finished the cold frame just in time for summer. Or, maybe I'm early?

Our new cold frame is made from a used storm door (thanks Hugh!), used door hinges (thanks ReStore), redwood lumber, deck screws and waterproof wood glue. I based my design on a variety of plans from Instructables.com and elsewhere. The storm door's dimensions determined the size and shape of the cold frame. I used redwood, which is naturally rot and insect-resistant, so this cold frame can last for years. I joined the corners of the frame with hinges so the cold frame can be collapsed by pulling the hinge pins. I added a wood strut to hold the heavy storm door open for safer access to the greens and vegetables we grow. I may add weather stripping to seal the door to the frame and keep in the daytime heat.

So, it's a bit early to use the cold frame for growing winter greens and vegetables. Now I can move on to more seasonal projects.